419 scam: "Mr John Davis." <info@w.co.uk> Greetings!!!

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "might come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i feel quite safe dealing with you in this important business" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr John Davis." <info@w.co.uk>
Reply-To: office_consultation@mail2Register.com
Date: 7 Apr 2012 00:02:14 -0000
Subject: Greetings!!!

--
Greetings,This proposal might come to you as a surprise but believe me that
it is transparent business.

My name is Mr. John Davis and I work in the delivery department in a
security company here in London. I feel quite safe dealing with you in this
important Business. I was on a routine inspection when I discovered a
deposit account with a BAL. Of (TWELVE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINE
THOUSAND POUNDS STERLING)I later learn t on further discreet investigation
that the depositor of the funds has passed away (dead) leaving no
beneficiary to the deposit.The company will deliver this money to anyone
with legal claims because the former depositor is a foreigner. I am
certainly sure that nobody will come again for the claim of this money. We
claim this money with legal claims to the deposit Holder, therefore I need
your cooperation in this transaction.I will provide all necessary
information needed in order to claim this money,Hoping in God that you will
never let me down now and in future. o.k!.Late Rafik Bahaa Edine Hariri
(November 1, 1944 - February 14, 2005),married to Nazek Audi Hariri, was a
Lebanese self-made billionaire and business tycoon, and was five times Prime
Minister of Lebanon (1992-1998 and 2000-2004)before his last resignation
from office on October 20, 2004.The late Rafik Hariri died on February 14,
2005 when explosives equivalent to around 300 kg of C4 were detonated as his
motorcade drove past the Saint George Hotel in the Lebanese capital,for more
information please log on to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafik_Hariri]

We WANT TO TRANSFER THIS MONEY INTO A SAFE FOREIGN ACCOUNT ABROAD BUT I
DON'T KNOW ANY FOREIGNER WHOM I CAN TRUST,I KNOW THAT THIS MESSAGE WILL
COME TO YOU AS A SURPRISE AS WE DON'T KNOW OURSELVES BEFORE, BUT BE SURE
THAT IT IS REAL AND A GENUINE BUSINESS. I CONTACT YOU BELIEVING THAT YOU
WILL NOT LET ME DOWN ONCE THE FUND GOES TO YOU.

Let me hear from you URGENTLY by Email

Best Regards,
Mr. John Davis.

Anti-fraud resources:

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